APPLICATION OF ANDRAGOGICAL PRINCIPLES IN AGRICULTURAL STAFF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AT THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE

Abstract

The study assessed the application of andragogical principles in the IITA human resource development programme. Specifically, the study determined trainees' level of awareness of course objectives before course, relevance of topics to trainees' jobs, adequacy of course venues for adult learning and assessed management and implementation of the course as perceived by the trainees. A descriptive survey research design was used for the study A simple random sample was estimated by purposive sampling from the trainees that attended 1998 IITA training courses. A total sample size of 210 was used for the study. Data were collected through the use of questionnaire. The results of the study show that there is adequate application of andragogical principles in IITA training courses as majority of respondents have positive perception to the course objectives. However, the study reveals that majority of (he respondents (67.1%) that attended IITA courses are not aware of course objectives prior to training course. The findings of this study therefore, have some implications for human resources development and training practitioners as well as policy makers. For effective training programme, consideration should be given to adequate training need assessment and prior awareness of course objectives by trainees and provision of adequate environment for trainees